Friday, November 22, 2024

Calvert Library Board Applications Being Accepted

Calvert Library Board Applications Being Accepted

November 22, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

 

Calvert Library announces a pending vacancy on the Calvert Board of Library Trustees (BOLT). All qualified applicants are welcome and all candidates will be assessed using the same criteria.  Applications are accepted through December 13, 2024.

 

The responsibilities of the Board of Library Trustees are established by State Code. The Board is responsible for governance and fiscal oversight; approving library policies and budget and overseeing the work of the Executive Director. The Board is comprised of 7 community members who volunteer their time and support to the library. Officers include President, Vice President and Secretary. Responsibilities include monthly meetings; the board meets at 5:30pm on third Tuesdays. Meetings are held virtually via Zoom as well as meeting once a year at each library location. In addition to regular meetings, there is an annual meeting of the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association Corporation that Board members are invited to attend and an annual Citizens for Maryland Libraries meeting generally held on a Saturday in October.

Service on the BOLT is a volunteer public office with a normal appointment term of five years.  The open terms begin in January 2025 and lasts through December of 2029. While State law provides that individuals may serve more than one term (but not more than two full terms in succession), each term is separate and requires application, nomination by the Board and appointment by the Board of County Commissioners.  Appointment to one term does not create an entitlement to serve more than one term.  The Board appreciates that experience on the Board is a significant factor to be considered, but recognizes that other factors may also be significant including, but not limited to: the quality of past performance; current Board composition; specific current needs of the Board; and, the comparative qualifications of all applicants.  Additionally, since Board membership is a privilege, all eligible County citizen should have equal access to consideration for this privilege.

 

Details and a link to the online application can be found at https://calvertlibrary.info/about-us/board-of-trustees/meet-the-board/

 

 

For more information, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291.

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Related Links

 

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 Fax

rtruslow@calvertlibrary.info  

 

 

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

BIG Author Events at Calvert Library in June!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Robyn Truslow, 410-535-0291

 

Calvert Library has a spectacular summer planned for Calvert County this year!  In addition to fabulous prizes and inspiring challenges for #calvertREADS (the summer reading challenge), Calvert Library will be hosting two major authors and six performers over the summer!  

 

Michelle Coles, our first author, is coming virtually on Saturday, June 1. There will be watch parties with games and prizes at each Calvert Library location or you can watch from anywhere you are connected.  Ms. Coles, a civil rights attorney, wrote the award-winning young adult book Black Was the Ink. The story features Malcolm, a Black teen from DC, whose mom is worried about his safety over the summer and sends him to stay with his father’s family on their farm in Mississippi.  Part of the farm had been taken through eminent domain for a highway some years prior and now the state is threatening to take the rest of it even though there is an option to take some of the farm across the road.  Malcolm isn’t all that worried about it until he time travels (dreams?) back in time to the Reconstruction Era as his ancestor Cedric, an aide to Senator Hiram Revels, one of the first black Senators.  Malcolm and readers learn about the Black heroes of the period and learn how to advocate in the present. This is an entertaining and inspiring read for both teens and adults and you’ll undoubtedly learn something new, too! 

 

The June 1 event will start at 1pm with a fun history trivia quiz using Kahoot and then at 2pm the author will join via Zoom to talk about the book and answer questions from attendees. Register for whichever location or to attend online. Local high school students will be on hand to help with the technology. LEAP Forward’s National Society of Black Engineers, Jr. has supplied several teen leaders to help including one student, Damian Reynolds, who will share his History Fair project on the Reconstruction Era. President of Calvert NAACP Debora Harris said of the event, “We are delighted to partner with Calvert Library to showcase Black authors and make a more complete history accessible to our young citizens. In addition to celebrating Black heroes, Black Was the Ink teaches advocacy skills that will serve teens into the future.”  Concerned Black Women of Calvert County President Sinetra Bowdry said, “There are so many examples of Black leadership in our history and we are happy to support authors who share those stories. I hope we have standing room only to celebrate the young people taking leadership roles in these watch parties.” 

 

Attend this event in person at any Calvert Library location and participate in the kickoff for Calvert Library’s #calvertREADS summer reading festivities. Get registered, do a scavenger hunt and get a free t-shirt while supplies last.  And oh yeah, did we mention fantastic prizes throughout the summer as you complete activities on the gameboard?  Prizes like gift cards, a Kindle, Nintendo Switch, weighted blanket, robotics kit, playset, telescope…will inspire even the most reluctant reader to keep their brain active over the summer. 

 

The second major author event is Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award winning author of Freewater, Amina Luqman-Dawson.  She will be in person at Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch on Tuesday, June 18 at 6:30pm.  Registration is required as seating is limited to 150.  Books will be available for sale and signing. This event will be a great way to begin your celebration of Juneteenth as her characters find their way to freedom deep in a swamp. The book is loosely based on Maroon communities in the South and is an inspirating and exciting story of bravery, friendship and history. 

The excitement doesn’t end with these authors though. Check with Calvert Library to learn about summer fun performances including Culture Queen, Maryland Science Center, Didgeridoo Down Under, Reptile World, Meki’s Tamure Polynesian Arts and of course, a magic show!  More details at calvertlibrary.info or call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291.  

 

Related Links: 

Flyer for Saturday, June 1 Michelle Coles event 

SECOND author event on June 18 

Register for the author events 

calvertREADS Summer Reading Challenge 

 

 

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

MD Libraries Together - Jane McGonigal

The media release for the Maryland Libraries Together program this Thursday is attached and can also be found here.

 

 

--

Nini Beegan

Organizational Learning & Innovation Coordinator

Maryland State Library Agency

25 S. Charles Street

Suite 1310

Baltimore, MD 21201-3330

443-340-7853

 

 

Monday, April 22, 2024

Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch Ribbon-Cutting and Donor Event Successes!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2024

 

The Board of Calvert County Commissioners and Calvert Library hosted a ribbon-cutting for the new Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch at 4100 5th Street in North Beach on Tuesday at 2pm with almost 400 people in attendance.  Dignitaries included Maryland Delegate Jeffrie Long; Commissioners Buddy Hance, Mark Cox, Catherine Grasso and Todd Ireland; State Librarian Irene Padilla; North Beach Mayor Mike Benton; Chesapeake Beach Mayor Patrick Mahoney; Town Council members from both communities including  Gregg Dotson, Charlie Fink, Peggy Hartman, Mary Healey, Mickey Hummel, Lauren Kabler, Greg Morris, Paul Troncone, and Ken Wilcox; Registrar of Wills Margaret Phipps; Sheriff Ricky Cox; Calvert Library Foundation President Scott Deacon and members Betsy Deacon, Mel Powell and Dr. Renita Alexander; Capital Campaign Chair Dr. Mark Frazer and members Grace Mary Brady and Dr. Duncan Frazer; Calvert Library Board of Library Trustees past and present including Rachel Jones, Ron Crupi, Doug Alves, Jeffrey Lewis, Willson Parran, Rene Libertore, Martha Grahame and Carolyn McHugh; former Calvert Library Director Patricia Hofmann; former Twin Beaches Branch Manager Joanie Kilmon; and of course, current Branch Manager & Assistant Branch Manager Melissa Gray and Sandy Hunting and their staff. Also in attendance was a representative of Piscataway Conoy tribe, Ariane Odom, who was referenced in library Executive Director Carrie Willson’s remarks for having given a land acknowledgment on behalf of Chief Jesse Swann at the groundbreaking for the building. For this event, the land acknowledgment was printed in the program and Willson described her ancestors as “uninvited guests” but hoped that the original inhabitants would be pleased with the library’s use of the land “as a destination for lifelong learning, community building and sharing of resources.”

 

While the presentation of colors that was planned fell through, Executive Director Carrie Willson pointed out that neighbor Triton’s Garage has a large flag on their roof and people were encouraged to pay their respects when they viewed it from the library’s top floor. During acknowledgment of many of the elected officials, Willson noted that the library had received a citation of congratulations from Senator Michael Jackson’s office and then expressed gratitude to the many contributors to the project. She referenced a detailed document that attendees would find inside that lists many of the contributors to the project and can be found on the library’s website.  According to a fact sheet provided at the event, the total cost was about $12.5 million with about $6.6 million coming from Calvert County capital project funds and $5.6 million from the State of Maryland’s County Library Capital Grant program. The Town of North Beach donated the parcel the library was built on plus a $250,000 grant from the Department of Housing and Community Development to the project and the Town of Chesapeake Beach donated $100,000.  Calvert Library Foundation raised over half a million dollars from local citizens and businesses to add special features such as outdoor furniture and technology for the Makerspace including a 3D printer, a laser etcher, a serger sewing machine, an embroidery sewing machine, a vinyl printer and more.  Commissioner President Buddy Hance made note of some of this equipment in his remarks saying, “Libraries are not just about books anymore... there are things that I have no clue what they do but I’m sure some of you out there will be very excited. It’s a great opportunity for our homeschoolers, too.”

 

State Librarian Irene Padilla shared information about the funding provided by the state for the project and other library projects across the state. The State of Maryland’s County Library Capital Grant program has provided over $93 million to libraries since 2008, stimulating $375 million in local matching funds.

Board of Library Trustees (BOLT) President Rachel Jones talked about her own history using Calvert Library, saying that it shaped her childhood. She invited applause for Ms. Willson, Ms. Gray, her staff, the BOLT and the Capital Campaign Committee. She referenced visiting the new building the prior week at a special event with her teenagers who were immediately excited to settle into the teen area.

 

After Ms. Jones remarks, dignitaries and others who had “put their heart and soul into the library” were invited forward for the official ribbon cutting. After a short delay for library staff to unlock the building, attendees streamed in for their own first use of the space.  There was a tremendous level of enthusiasm on the way in and even more on the way out. Comments heard included, “I’ll be back tomorrow and the next day, and the next…” and “I think this will be my new office!” and “I live right up the street and will be here all the time!”  Teens were literally jumping up and down with excitement to see the space designed for them. Many attendees left with books, movies, games, a commemorative program, and even a bookmark depicting line drawings of the three different spaces the Twin Beaches Branch had been in. These images were laminated onto the back of a now obsolete (outdated?) “date due card” so people could take a little bit of history with them.  Visitors enthusiastically shared their videos, photos and comments over many Facebook community and personal pages.

 

Branch Manager Melissa Gray reported this Friday morning, that over 1,300 people visited the library on Tuesday and in the two and a half days they have been open, they have seen over 3,200 people (more than the other 3 locations combined in the same period) and made 214 new library cards. Gray said, "There is nothing better than seeing the community using the space that was intentionally designed with their input. All our study rooms were in use on the very first day and have been fully booked since! It truly was the best day!"

 

In Rachel Jones’ remarks, she referenced the Calvert Library Foundation Donor Appreciation event held last week, on Wednesday, April 10, at the new, “almost ready” Twin Beaches Branch in North Beach. With about 150 people in attendance, there were many “oohs” and “aahs” over the special features in the building. The donor event began at 6pm and allowed for time to explore the new space while enjoying hors d’oeuvres provided by local restaurants.  Donated items came from Dreamweavers, Plaza Mexico and Traders and Elise Market and Patisserie, Vaughan Cheese, Rod ‘n Reel, Hook & Vine, Nicks of Calvert and Baia provided discounts. Courtesy parking for the event was provided by Ron Russo and RAR Associates.

 

Most remarks were words of thanks for the donors and the Campaign Committee led by Dr. Mark Frazer, Grace Mary Brady and Dr. Duncan Frazer and supported by library staff member Lisa Railey.  The Town of North Beach was thanked for their donation of the land and their contribution of a $250,000 grant from the Department of Housing & Community Development. Several people commented on the excellent decision to create a public building with an incredible view for all to take advantage of. Lead donors included the Town of Chesapeake Beach, Fastop/Q-Dog Fuels, Dr. Mark & Mary Frazer, Friends of Calvert Library and Patricia Hofmann (former Director of Calvert Library). Over 400 additional donors resulted in a successful campaign raising over $500,000.

 

Donors were memorialized on fused glass art panels by George Ellenberg and Avery Shaffer, Chesapeake Bay artists.  The panels suggest a bay theme in many colors that coordinate with the new building's interior design.

 

Speakers were Calvert Library Executive Director Carrie Willson, Foundation President Scott Deacon, Campaign Chair Mark Frazer and former Twin Beaches Branch Manager Joanie Kilmon to share the history of the Twin Beaches Branch.  Guests were introduced to some of the exciting technology their gifts made possible such as a large laminator, 3D printer, laser etcher, vinyl printer and a podcasting booth that will also double as a sound-proof space for telehealth visits, oral histories and more. The take-home commemorative piece was a stemless wine glass etched with a line-drawing of the new building.

 

For more information or for links to photos/videos of the event, contact Robyn Truslow, Public Relations Coordinator at 410-535-0291.

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Related Links:


Video of Ribbon Cutting remarks

Commemorative Program

Videos and photos of construction project

 

 

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition Announces Website Launch and Celebration

As an active partner for this initiative, Calvert Library is sharing the press release:


For Release: April 17, 2024

 

Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition

Accessing the Diverse History of Southern Maryland Website Launch and Celebration

 

St. Mary’s City – May 1, 2024: The Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition is excited to announce the launch of its new searchable website celebrating the diverse history of Southern Maryland.   This new searchable website will enable our community, students and teachers, and those interested to access this rich and extensive history.  This includes access to information on notable individuals, places to experience, events and institutions that interpret the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color in the Southern Maryland region. The website is aligned with the Maryland State Department of Education’s Social Studies Framework.

 

Southern Maryland History Coalition Launch Event - To be held at the Dodge Performing Arts Center at St. Mary’s College of Maryland on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 4 pm to 7:30 pm  This event will feature the launch of the Coalition’s website, an exhibit area featuring historical and cultural institutions from throughout the region, authors, quilts and poetry.  The keynote speaker for the event is noted author, performer and GU272+ descendent Melisande Short-Colomb.  The public is invited but needs to register.  Additional information and registration for the event may be found at the Calvert Library’s website Southern MD Equity in History Coalition (SMC) - Calvert Library (libnet.info).

 

About the Coalition - The Coalition is administered by the Big Conversation Partners in Dismantling Racism and Privilege in Southern Maryland, a project of Middleham and St. Peters Episcopal Parish in Lusby, Maryland.  The Coalition has the support of 31 organizations across the region including the public-school systems, libraries, museums, community organizations, colleges and churches.  It is sponsored by the St. Mary’s College of Maryland which is hosting the website and receives financial support from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority. 

 

For more information, press only:

Mr. Hugh Davies

(410) 610-2824

Email: daviesh@comcast.net

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Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Monday, February 12, 2024

Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch Announces Closing for Move

Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch Announces Closing for Move 

 

Perhaps you noticed that the new Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch is looking close to being finished?  It is! Calvert Library expects to host the ribbon-cutting at the new location on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 2pm and the public is encouraged to attend! 

 

This ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolizes not only the beginning of a new chapter for the community, but also a testament to the power of the collective vision and collaboration of Calvert Library, Calvert County and the towns of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach. The land was given to Calvert County by the Town of North Beach. Capital project funds from Calvert County Government and the County Library Capital Grant Program, Maryland State Library Agency, made the building possible. A grant obtained by the Town of North Beach assisted with the design costs. Finishing touches were accomplished with funds raised by the Calvert Library Foundation through generous community donations including the Town of Chesapeake Beach as the lead donor. Mark Tuesday, April 16 on your calendar and be one of the first to see this new treasure in the Beaches! 

 

As the Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch staff prepare to open the new building in North Beach, the current Chesapeake Beach location will be closed to the public beginning Monday, March 18.  Soon after, movers will arrive to begin relocating all library materials to the new building.  During the weeks that the Branch is closed, storytimes will take place at the Northeast Community Center.  

 

The bookdrop will also be closed during this time. If customers have library items to be returned, they may return those items to another branch location or keep their checked-out items until the new location opens. Due dates for items checked out March 9-15 from Twin Beaches Branch will be extended to April 30.  Details and FAQs about the move can be found on the library website. 

 

Twin Beaches Branch Manager, Melissa Gray, is inviting Twin Beaches customers to visit the Captain’s Quarters location in Chesapeake Beach before the closure.  “Moving isn't just a change of address; it is a migration of memories. As we turn the page to a new chapter in North Beach, we want to embrace our time in Chesapeake Beach by sharing stories and pictures displayed in our current location. Stop by to add yours to our Memory Board; we can make copies of your treasured photos so in the future, customers can look back and remember when… Materials displayed on the memory board will be included in a time capsule that is representative of our wonderful time here.” 

 

Once the building closes, customers are asked to visit other library locations or the Bookmobile which has stops throughout the county and will be at the Chesapeake Beach location periodically until the new building opens. 

 

What will be happening while Twin Beaches Branch is closed? Calvert Library Twin Beaches staff will continue to work during the closure. They will coordinate the move of materials, organize the building, train on equipment and learn workflows and procedures for the opening of the new building. Gray said, “We will be the first Calvert Library location to have a Makerspace. There is a lot of new technology for us to learn and master before opening!” 

 

Library Executive Director Carrie Willson said, “We’re so excited to soon be opening such a beautiful building that offers so much to the Twin Beaches community. Just to name a few elements, we’re pleased to have an ADA-accessible building, study rooms, a programming room, space designed just for teens and new technology throughout.”  

 

For more information, visit https://calvertlibrary.info/about-us/locations/new-twin-beaches-branch/ and follow Calvert Library on Facebook for sneak peaks of the new space!  

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Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info